Lots of changes.

Im still get comments and readers for this blog. So since I received a new message yesterday, thought I should update things.  I was going to post some photos but I see that I now must install google photo before I can. Never did that in the past, and won’t start now. Big Brother knows more than enough about me, so sharing my photos with google is not gonna happen.

When I figure out a way around this photo issue I’ll be back.

I haven't looked at this blog for about a year.  I see people are still reading it and making comments too.  Thank you for the feedback.

As I've not left Canada for quite some time, I kinda felt like there was not much to report.

Im still loving being home, but miss my wonderful friends back in SE Asia.

As other parts of North America get hit with earthquakes I ponder the fact that it will be our time soon too.  Sure wish people in Vancouver would take this seriously.  There is no preparation for such a disaster. And the lack of thinking - if they live in a high point in the city, they believe they are spared.  Not thinking of power out because lines down, phone service out, because lines down. And no water because the water lines and sewer lines are broken. The people are like sheep, or perhaps ostriches with their heads in the sand.  I think it is time to go back to the island where at least everyone there works together when such an event occurs.  Vancouver is a place of 'every man for himself'.

Already September. Where did the summer go?  I'm off to the island again and happy to be going.  So looking forward to the slow pace of the island, and all that goes with it.  Also very interested in seeing the latest renovations and new landscaping taking shape.

Now another year passed, here's what's new.  Birthday time for Ryan, mine coming up soon, and summer in Canada.  Other than that, nothing much.

I need to get my act together.  I've decided to transfer my Master studies to UBC.  It was impossible to get my thesis written at the asian school, and such a shame to let it end without completion.  Now I need to submit my request formally and prepare for taking some of the classes over in order to write my paper here in Canada.  Now that I have written this, I am hoping that I actually will get that process started.

Here goes.

Imagine

I came back when I realized how many people view this blog.  I must be saying something interesting when I see statistics of 50,000 viewers in a week.  So, hopefully I will say something here that can make a difference.

My son and I have had many philosophical discussions on the state of the world today.  He is far more knowledgeable of the situation around the globe because he has experienced it first hand in many places.  He is a caring man.  He wants to make a difference.  So do I. But I have no idea how.  Which is what brings me to my thoughts today.  The world seems to think that we cannot make a difference in India regarding the starving people and over crowding.  Why?  I'm not sure.  But what I am sure of is the fact that we are all humans. We all have basic needs. Some of us have them. Others do not.  And then, by the magic of my short attention span, I ended up listening to and singing along with John Lennon's famous song - Imagine.  If you want to as well - here it is - Imagine

I think one of our biggest problems in this world is that everyone appears to be territorial.  Look after their own. Forget the rest.  The holocaust happened many years ago.  Many people died. It was wrong. But it is the past. It is over.  No, we wont forget it. But it is over. What is NOW is that millions of people are starving in India. Why?  Maybe overpopulation, maybe other reasons. But the fact remains. Millions are starving. According to statistics, that number is 800 million.  What are we doing about this?  The number far outreaches the holocaust.  And is happening now. Can we not learn from the past that we need to do something now to stop this horendous situation?

We in the western world can only imagine the poverty.  Some send cheques; some dont. But in any case; India needs our support. There is an organization on this planet that knows how to organize others and share the wealth.  If those who keep the holocaust alive channeled some of  their energies into a current plight of people, maybe that statistic in India would not be the same. We need someone to lead.  Others will follow, once there is a leader.  John Lennon gave us the words. it is up to all of us to imagine a solution and then act upon it.

Happy Canada Day

I see people are still reading this blog, so thought I should post the Canada Day flag.

Look what's growing in the garden today

The Subtlety of Racism

The next time you look at someone who does not match your own culture or background keep this short video in mind.  It shows us how we look at others and make assumptions that do not match reality. Click on the link below and open the video to full screen so you can see the minimal text.

wrong assumptions